**Highway Wolf’s "Jet Airliner" Really Does Take Off From the Start**

**Highway Wolf’s "Jet Airliner" Really Does Take Off From the Start** **By Edward Wrobleski** Host/Producer of Talking Hendrix, Let the Good Times Roll, and Sunday Morning Tea & Coffee with Ed Wrobleski on [www.bostonfreeradio.com](https://www.bostonfreeradio.com) **May 2, 2026 | Holyoke, Massachusetts** I have always been a fan of the various incarnations of this classic, from songwriter Paul Pena's original to the monster hit by The Steve Miller Band. However, this version by **Highway Wolf** literally takes off like a jet airliner and doesn’t let up until the final note. There is certainly no turbulence here; in fact, this cover blew me away the moment it started playing in my headset. I cranked it up, and that bluegrass finger-picking style is simply superb. It breathes new life into the song for new listeners and long-time fans alike. While it's hard to imagine anyone hasn't heard at least one version of this track, if you haven’t, this is the pinnacle. All major versions of this song are classics in their own right, but if I were to rank them in order of preference, here is my definitive list: 1. **Highway Wolf** 2. **Steve Miller Band** 3. **Paul Pena** As I’ve stated, these are all great recordings. However, while the Steve Miller Band version is a staple of classic rock radio, it has begun to feel a bit stale from decades of overplay. It is time to give Mr. Miller a break and let this new version take over. Highway Wolf has delivered the ultimate version of "Jet Airliner," and it deserves a spot on the airwaves alongside—or even in place of—the original hits.